Credit crunch leads to 10% leap in domestic bookings
Holiday parks operator Pontin’s has seen a 10% increase in bookings as the credit crunch and expensive euro force holidaymakers to shun overseas destinations in favour of traditional British seaside resorts.
Chief executive Ian Smith said the company, which was bought in March by investment firm Ocean Parcs for £46m, would increase its turnover by at least £3m to over £50m this year. “We expect to be profitable this year, in line with our forecasts,†he added.
Smith attributed the increase in bookings and two per cent rise in sales to the company’s more aggressive marketing this year – he admitted it has been discounting – and Pontin’s revamped website, which makes it easier for people to book one of its seven parks around the UK.
“But clearly the strong euro and economic factors have been major factors in bringing people back to the UK for their summer holidays,†he said.
Executive chairman Graham Parr added: “The increase in bookings has been tremendous for us after such a short period of owning the Pontin’s business.
“It is pleasing to note how many regular customers are coming back to our sites year on year and how many new customers are visiting us.â€
By Linsey McNeill
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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